An exciting new play area has been unveiled at a County Durham museum in time for a national celebration of play.
Youngsters are invited to explore the new play park at Killhope: the North of England Lead Mining Museum during National Play Day on Wednesday, 5 August.
The area has been transformed as part of the Rediscover Killhope project, a major development programme funded by a £428,000 award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The new play area features large-scale wooden play equipment that not only encourages children to climb and explore but also includes baskets, pulleys and chutes to help them understand how some of the original mining mechanisms worked.
Mike Boase, Killhope manager, said: “The play area is intended to be fun and exciting but it also offers a fantastic hands-on opportunity to learn as well.
“Children are encouraged to use gravel to discover how the pulleys and chutes work. Then, as they work their way around the museum, they’ll find out how this same equipment was used during the lead mining process.
“We’re thrilled with how it’s turned out and our younger visitors are already enjoying it.”
As well as trying out the new play area, younger visitors to Killhope can enjoy a host of fun and games on National Play Day.
Activities will include a river beast hunt, archery and storytelling. Kids can also hop on board the play bus, dig in at the sand pit or take a ride on the teacups.
There’ll also be a chance to play the traditional Victorian game of bat the rat plus lots more games and crafts.
Children aged four-years-old and over can take a trip down Killhope’s famous Victorian lead mine.
Admission is free for all children who are accompanied by a paying adult.
The Rediscover Killhope project has also seen a revamp of the museum’s display area, with future changes set to include the renovation of Killhope’ Buddle House to provide an all-weather exhibition and activity space.
For more information, visit www.killhope.org.uk call 01388 537 505 or email info@killhope.org.uk
